Shoe tree



Feb. 23, 1932. F. G. WATSON SHOE TREE Filed July 5, 1951 g i Q T In 6} Wazlvom W Patented Feb. 23, 1932 PATENT @FFICE FRANCIS GEORGE WATSON, OF SOUTHAM, ENGLAND SHOE TREE Application filed July 3, 1931, Serial No. 548,665, and in Great Britain January 2, 1931.

The main object of this invention is to provide a device for insertion into a boot, shoe or other article of wearing apparel, whereby the article can be heated and kept to a prearranged shape, or stretched.

According to the invention, the device is adapted to contain a heating medium, and provision is made for forcing it into contact with the article.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrating the invention applied to a boot-tree,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a metal boot-tree provided with resilient means for forcing it against the interior of the boot,

Figure 2 is an elevation of a similar boottree constructed of earthenware and adapted to be electrically heated, and

Figure 3 is a section of a modified boottree constructed from a distortable material.

In Figure 1, the main portion 2 of the tree is shaped externally in accordance with the interior of a boot to which it is to be applied and is of aluminum or other metal having high heat-radiating qualities. This main portion maybe acastingwhich is hollow, the upper portion thereof being closed at 3. This top 3 is provided with an upstanding filling orifice 4 in which a. plug 5 can be screwed so that when a heating medium, such as boiling water or smouldering charcoal, is poured into the tree, no leakage can take place in any position thereof. On the rear side 6 and towards the top are attached the corresponding ends 7, 7 of a pair of hairpin-type springs 8, 8, the opposite free ends 9, 9 of which are attached to a separately-formed curved member 10 conforming in shape substantially to that of the interior heel-portion of a boot.

Near the top 3 and between the ends 7, 7 of the springs is a threaded pin 11 which extends through the outer limbs of the springs, as shown, and has a knurled or otherwise roughened knob 12 screwed thereon which engages the outer limbs. WVhen this knob is screwed on to the pin 11, the springs 8 are compressed and consequently the curved heel member 10 will be pressed towards the main body of the tree. When in this position the tree can be easily inserted into the boot, after which the knob 12 can be slacked off, when the )ortion 10 will contact with the heel of the boot, and, through the springs 8, will force the main body of tl e tree into contact with the interior thereof.

The heating medium may be applied through the filler either before or after insertion of the tree, the filling orifice 4 being thereafter closed by the screwed plug 5.

There nay be only a single spring 8, but either case the upper end or ends 13 thereof project above the tree as shown and can be used for inserting the latter or removing it from the boot.

In the modification of Figure 2 the main portion of the tree is of earthenware. As an alternative to the arrangement of Figure 1, the interior of the tree encloses an electric heating medium 15, the ends of which are connected bv the leads 16 to a pair of sockets 17 adapted ior connection to some source of electricity. This construction is more particularly applicable for use in hotels and such like places.

In the arrangement of Figure 3, the tree is formed from a distortable material such as rubber or rubber composition and is hollow, being moulded or otherwise formed substantially to the hape of the boot. A filling orifice i and plug 5 ar provided, as in the case of Figure 1, in the top portion. 3 and adjacent to these is a non-return valve 14 which can be used for inflation purposes. If the tree is sufficiently rigid it can be inserted into the boot before applying water or pressure to its interior, but if the tree is relatively flexible so that it will not maintain a substantially solid state, liquid is poured into its interior through the filler cap until the tree takes substantially the form of the interior of the boot, when it can then be inserted into the latter.

To ensure this tree being forced into contact with the interior of the boot after being filled, say, with hot water, the boot laces may be laced tightly so that the boot may be forced into Contact with the tree, the tight lacing causing the tree to conform under pressure sub antially to the shape of the boot. In addition, compressed air can be applied to the interior of the tree through the nonreturn valve 14 to cause the tree to be forced still further into contact with the boot so that the latter may be stretched somewhat.

If necessary the tree may be ribbed or recessed, as indicated at 18 in Figures 1 and 2, for ventilation purposes, such ribs or recesses being so arranged that any moisture collected therein is quickly removable when the tree is in position in the boot or shoe. In any of the arrangements above described, the tree may be covered with a layer of baize or any other soft material 19 to prevent injury tothe boot or shoe through direct c0ntact with the heated metal or rubber of the actual-tree.

It will be seen that the invention provides a simple device for stretching, drying, airing.

or warming articles of wearing apparel.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patentrof the United States is Fo-rinsertion into an article of wearing apparel, ;a member which s shaped to con- ,form to the internal shape of the article, re-

silient means for forcing said member into contact with the interior of the article, means for restricting the expansion of said resilient means, and means for permitting heating the interior of. said member.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

FRANCIS GEORGE WATSON. 

